O'Connor strikes at death to clinch final spot for CBC

CBC 17-15 PBC

'An error-ridden first half was defined by a lightning score from the reigning champions just before the break through Louis Bruce - the full-back's excellent score giving Pres an eight-point lead at half-time' Stock photo: Sportsfile

Adam O'Connor's try, after 10 minutes of additional time, ripped away Presentation's chances of a second consecutive final in this enthralling local derby.

An error-ridden first half was defined by a lightning score from the reigning champions just before the break through Louis Bruce - the full-back's excellent score giving Pres an eight-point lead at half-time.

It was made harder still for the Sidney Hill outfit four minutes into the second half when Mark McLoughlin powered over the line, Sean French adding the extras for a 15-0 scoreline with half an hour left.

A lifeline arrived moments later for Christians when Eoghan Barrett went over from close range and with fewer than 15 minutes left, centre Barrett set up the close finish (15-12) with his second.

Referee Robert O'Sullivan gave CBC's Eoin Monahan the chance to level proceedings but his shot came off the post, but O'Connor ensured they were celebrating a thrilling win when he touched down with the final play of the game.